Configuration of a motor housing for a surface cleaning apparatus

ABSTRACT

A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a suction motor and fan housing wherein at least a portion of the suction motor and fan housing forms part of an outer casing of the surface cleaning apparatus and a portion of the housing is recessed inwardly.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of Canadian Patent Application. No. 2658011, filed Mar. 11, 2009, entitled CONFIGURATION OF A MOTOR HOUSING FOR A SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS.

FIELD

The specification relates to surface cleaning apparatus, and preferably, to hand vacuum cleaners. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the specification relates to the configuration of a housing for a suction motor and fan housing of a cyclonic hand vacuum cleaner.

INTRODUCTION

The following is not an admission that anything discussed below is prior art or part of the common general knowledge of persons skilled in the art.

PCT publication WO 2008/009890 (Dyson Technology Limited) discloses a handheld cleaning appliance comprising a main body, a dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet and a cyclonic separator for separating dirt and dust from an airflow. The cyclone separator is located in an air flow passage leading from the air inlet to the air outlet. The cyclonic separator is arranged in a generally upright orientation (i.e., the air rotates about a generally vertical axis in use). A base surface of the main body and a base surface of the cyclonic separator together form a base surface of the appliance for supporting the appliance on a surface. See also PCT publication WO 2008/009888 (Dyson Technology Limited) and PCT publication WO 2008/009883 (Dyson Technology Limited).

U.S. Pat. No. 7,370,387 (Black & Decker Inc.) discloses a hand-holdable vacuum cleaner that uses one or more filters and/or cyclonic separation device. and means for adjusting an angle of air inlet relative to a main axis of said vacuum cleaner. In particular, the vacuum cleaner further comprises a rigid, elongate nose having the air inlet at one end thereof, the nose being pivotal relative to a main axis of the vacuum cleaner through an angle of at least 135 degrees.

SUMMARY

The following introduction is provided to introduce the reader to the more detailed discussion to follow. The introduction is not intended to limit or define the claims.

According to one broad aspect, a surface cleaning apparatus is provided wherein the housing for a suction motor and fan is configured to reduce the volume and weight of the housing and wherein a portion of the housing forms part of the outer wall of the surface cleaning apparatus. Typically, surface cleaning apparatus, such as vacuum cleaners, have a suction motor and fan assembly that comprises a fan mounted on a shaft of a motor. The fan is rotated to draw air through the fan. The air that exits the fan is directed to flow past the motor to cool the motor. The outer diameter of the fan is greater then the outer diameter of the motor. Accordingly, a housing for a motor and fan need not have a constant diameter and define a cylinder whose diameter is based on the greatest diameter of the suction motor and fan assembly, namely that of the fan.

Accordingly, it is preferred that the housing for the suction motor and fan assembly have a portion that surrounds that fan that tends to follow the general configuration of a suction motor and fan assembly. For example, the portion of the housing that surrounds the longitudinally extending sidewalls of the suction motor and fan assembly may have a portion having a reduced cross sectional area measured transverse to the longitudinal direction for those parts of the suction motor and fan assembly that have a smaller diameter or width. For example, the housing may have a portion that surrounds the fan that conforms to the diameter of the fan and a portion that surrounds the suction motor that conforms to the diameter of the suction motor. It will be appreciated that, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the housing may be designed to maintain a generally constant gap between the inner wall of the housing and the outer wall of the suction motor and fan assembly. However, a weight and volume saving may be achieved by reducing the cross sectional area in the region or regions of the suction motor and fan assembly that have a reduced diameter.

For example, in an embodiment, a surface cleaning apparatus may comprise an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet with at least one air treatment member is positioned in the air flow passage. A suction motor and fan is positioned in the air flow passage. A suction motor and fan housing is provided wherein at least a portion of the suction motor and fan housing forms part of an outer casing of the apparatus and a portion of the housing is recessed inwardly.

In some examples, the motor housing comprises a fan portion in which the fan is positioned, and a motor portion in which the motor is positioned. The fan portion may have a larger cross sectional area then the motor portion.

In some examples, the motor portion is recessed inwardly from the fan portion.

In some examples, the motor portion is downstream from the fan portion.

In some examples, the suction motor and fan housing has an upstream end and a downstream end and a longitudinally extending sidewall between the upstream end and the downstream end, and the sidewall proximates the profile of the suction motor and fan. In some examples, at least a portion of the sidewall forms part of the outer casing. In some examples, at least a majority of the sidewall forms part of the outer casing.

In some examples, the suction motor and fan comprises a fan housing and a suction motor. The fan portion may have an inner surface that is spaced from the fan housing by a first distance, and the motor portion may have an inner surface that is spaced from the suction motor by a second distance. And the first and second distance may be about the same. The first distance and the second distance may be up to 1 inch.

In some examples, the surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a post motor filter positioned in a post motor filter housing and the post motor filter housing has a cross sectional area that proximates that of the motor portion.

In some examples, the post motor filter housing is provided adjacent the motor portion.

In some examples, an air treatment portion of the surface cleaning apparatus that houses the at least one air treatment member has an outer surface and the air treatment portion has a cross sectional area that is less than twice that of the fan portion.

In some examples, the at least one air treatment member comprises a cyclone unit.

In some examples, the cyclone unit has an outer surface that forms a portion of the outer surface of the surface cleaning apparatus.

In some examples, the surface cleaning apparatus comprises a hand vacuum cleaner.

In some examples, the apparatus has a generally linear air flow from the at least one air treatment member to the suction motor and fan housing.

It will be appreciated that a surface cleaning apparatus may incorporate one or more of the features of each of these examples.

DRAWINGS

In the detailed description, reference will be made to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side plan view of an example of a hand vacuum cleaner;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partially exploded rear perspective view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a partially exploded front perspective view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a cross section taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a side plane view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1, showing the hand vacuum cleaner supported by a rear end;

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the hand-vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1, showing the cyclone unit removed from the hand vacuum cleaner; and,

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the hand-vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1, showing a post motor filter removed from the hand vacuum cleaner.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EXAMPLES

Various apparatuses or methods will be described below to provide an example of each claimed invention. No example described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover processes or apparatuses that are not described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus or process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or process described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention.

In the drawings attached hereto, the surface cleaning apparatus is exemplified as used in a hand vacuum cleaner that uses a cyclone. It will be appreciated that the vacuum cleaner 100 may be of various types (e.g., an upright vacuum cleaner, canister vacuum cleaner or alternate portable vacuum cleaner such as a hand or shoulder strap carriable vacuum cleaner) and configurations (e.g., different positioning and orientation of the cleaning or cyclone unit and the suction motor and differing cleaning or cyclone units that may comprise one or more cyclones and/or one or more filters).

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7C, a first example of a surface cleaning apparatus 100 is shown. In the embodiment shown, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is a hand vacuum cleaner 100 (also referred to herein as cleaner 100), and is movable along a surface to be cleaned by gripping and maneuvering handle 102. The vacuum cleaner 100 has an outer casing 101, and includes an upper portion 104, a lower portion 106, a front end 108, and a rear end 110. In the example shown, handle 102 is provided at the upper portion 104. In alternate examples, handle 102 may be provided elsewhere on the vacuum cleaner 100, for example at the rear end 110, and may be of any design.

Preferably, vacuum cleaner 100 comprises at least one air treatment portion positioned in the air flow path. Preferably, as in the example shown, the vacuum cleaner 100 comprises a nozzle 112 and an air treatment portion 114, which together form a surface cleaning head 116 of the vacuum cleaner 100. Preferably, as exemplified, the surface cleaning head 116 is provided at the front end 108 of the vacuum cleaner 100.

Nozzle 112 engages a surface to be cleaned, and comprises a dirty air inlet 118, through which dirty air is drawn into the vacuum cleaner 100. An air flow passage extends from the dirty air inlet 118 to a clean air outlet 120 of the cleaner 100. Preferably, as in the example shown, the rear end 110 of the cleaner 100 comprises the clean air outlet 120.

The air treatment portion 114 houses at least one air treatment member. In the example shown, air treatment portion 114 is a cyclone unit 114, and the air treatment member is a cyclone 122. In alternate examples, air treatment member may be another type of air treatment member, such as a filter.

Cyclone unit 114 is provided in the air flow passage, downstream of the dirty air inlet 118. Cyclone unit 114 may have an outer casing 115, which forms a portion of outer casing 101 of vacuum cleaner 100. Cyclone unit 114 may comprise the front end 108 of the vacuum cleaner 100. Preferably, as in the example shown, the cyclone unit 114 is a one piece assembly comprising one cyclone 122, and one dirt collection chamber 124, which are integrally formed. In alternate examples, the cyclone unit 110 may include more than one cyclonic stage, wherein each cyclonic stage comprising one or more cyclones and one or more dirt chambers. Accordingly, the cyclones may be arranged in parallel and/or in sequence. Further, in alternate examples, the cyclone 122 and dirt collection chamber 124 may be separately formed.

Preferably, as in the example shown, the nozzle 112 is positioned at the lower portion 106 of the vacuum cleaner 100. Preferably, as exemplified, nozzle 112 is positioned at the bottom of the vacuum cleaner 100, and, preferably, beneath the cyclone unit 114. Accordingly, as exemplified, nozzle 112 may be on lower surface 157 of cyclone unit 114 and may have a common wall therewith. In a particularly preferred design, the upper wall 126 of the nozzle may be a lower wall 119 of a casing 115 of the cyclone unit 114. As shown in FIG. 6, dirt chamber 124 surrounds the lower portion of cyclone 122. Accordingly, the upper wall of nozzle 112 may be part of the lower wall of the dirt chamber. It will be appreciated that if dirt chamber 124 does not extend around the lower portion of cyclone 122, then the upper wall of nozzle 112 may be part of a lower wall of cyclone 122.

Preferably, as in the example shown, the nozzle 112 is fixedly positioned at the lower portion 106 of the vacuum cleaner 100. That is, the nozzle 112 is not movable (e.g., rotatable) with respect to the remainder of the vacuum cleaner 100, and is fixed at the lower portion 106 of the vacuum cleaner 100.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, nozzle 112 has a width W_(N), and cyclone unit 114 has a width W_(C). In the example shown, W_(N), and W_(C) are about the same. An advantage of this design is that the nozzle may have a cleaning path that is essentially as wide as the hand vacuum itself.

Preferably, nozzle 112 comprises an airflow chamber 136 wherein at least a portion, and preferably a majority, of the lower surface 134 of the chamber is open. Such a design is exemplified in FIG. 7A wherein, as mentioned hereinabove, nozzle 112 comprises an upper nozzle wall 126. In the example shown, the upper nozzle wall 126 comprises a lower wall 119 of a casing 115 of the cyclone unit.

Preferably, one or more depending walls 128 extend downwardly from the upper nozzle wall 126. In the example shown, one depending wall 128 extends downwardly from the cyclone unit 114. The depending wall 128 is preferably generally U-shaped. In one embodiment, depending wall is provided rearward of opening 138. In other embodiments, depending walls may alternately or in addition be provided on the lateral sides of opening 138. It is preferred that depending walls are provided on each lateral side of opening 138 and rearward thereof. Further, depending walls 128 may extend a substantial distance to the front end 108 and, preferably, essentially all the way to front end 108. The depending wall 128 may be continuous to define a single wall as shown, or may be discontinuous. The depending wall 128 is preferably rigid (e.g., integrally molded with cyclone unit 114). However, it may be flexible (e.g., bristles or rubber) or moveably mounted to cyclone unit 114 (e.g., hingedly mounted).

Preferably, the lower end 132 of depending wall 128 is spaced above the surface being cleaned when the hand vacuum cleaner is placed on a surface to be cleaned. In the example shown, a plurality of optional wheels 135 are mounted to the depending wall 128, and extend lower than the lower end 132 of the depending wall 128. Accordingly, in use, when wheels 135 are in contact with a surface, the lower end 132 of the depending wall 128 is spaced from the surface to be cleaned. As exemplified in FIG. 6, when vacuum cleaner 100 is placed on a floor F, lower end 132 of depending wall 128 is spaced a distance H above the floor. Preferably distance H is from 0.01 inches to 0.175 inches, more preferably from 0.04 to 0.08 inches.

The height of the depending wall (between upper nozzle wall 126 and lower end 132) may vary. In some examples, the depending wall may have a height of between about 0.05 and about 0.875, preferably between about 0.125 and about 0.6 and more preferably between about 0.2 and about 0.4 inches. The height of depending wall may vary but is preferably constant.

As exemplified, the open end of the U-shape defines an open side 130 of the nozzle 114, and forms the dirty air inlet 118 of the cleaner 100. In the example shown, the open side 130 is provided at the front of the nozzle 114. In use, when wheels 135 are in contact with a surface, the open side 130 sits above and is adjacent a surface to be cleaned (e.g. floor F). As mentioned hereinabove, preferably, lower end 132 of depending walls 128 is spaced above floor F. Accordingly, some air may enter nozzle 114 by passing underneath depending wall 132. In such a case, the primary air entry to nozzle 114 is via open side 130 so that dirty air inlet 118 is the primary air inlet, with a secondary air inlet being under depending wall 128.

In the example shown, the lower end 132 of the depending wall 128 defines an open lower end 134 of the nozzle 114. The open lower end 134 preferably extends to the front end 108 of the cleaner 108, and merges with the open side 130. In use, the exemplified nozzle has an open lower end 134 that faces a surface to be cleaned.

It will be appreciated that wheels 135 are optional. Preferably, wheels 135 are positioned exterior to the air flow passage through nozzle 112, e.g., laterally outwardly from depending wall 128. Preferably a pair of front wheels 135 are provided. Preferably, the wheels are located adjacent front end 108. Optionally, one or more rear wheels 180 may be provided. In an alternate embodiment, no wheels may be provided.

The upper nozzle wall 126, depending wall 128, and open lower end 134 of the nozzle 112 define the open sided airflow chamber 136 of the nozzle. In use, when wheels 135 are in contact with a horizontal surface, the nozzle 112 and the airflow chamber 136 extend generally horizontally, and preferably linearly along a nozzle axis 113 (see FIG. 7A). It will be appreciated that nozzle 112 may be any nozzle known in the air and may be an enclosed passage.

An opening 138 is provided in the upper nozzle wall 126, and is in communication with the airflow chamber 136. Opening 138 may be of any size and configuration and at various locations in upper nozzle wall 126. In use, when wheels 135 are in contact with a surface, the opening 138 faces a surface to be cleaned, air enters the dirty air inlet 118, passes horizontally through the airflow chamber 136, and passes into the opening 138. Opening 138 is in communication with a cyclone inlet passage 139, which is in communication with a cyclone air inlet 140 of cyclone 122.

If the surface cleaning apparatus uses a cyclone, then cyclone 122 may of any configuration and orientation. Preferably, cyclone 122 comprises a chamber wall 142, which in the example shown, is cylindrical. The cyclone chamber is located inside chamber wall 142. The cyclone 122 extends along an axis 123, which, in the example shown, is preferably parallel to the nozzle axis, and preferably extends generally horizontally when cleaner 100 is in use and wheels 135 are seated on a surface. The cyclone 122 has an air inlet 140 and an air outlet 145, which preferably are at the same end of cyclone 122. Preferably the air inlet and the air outlet are distal to front end 108. The cyclone air inlet and cyclone air outlet may be of any configuration known in the art and the cyclone air outlet may be covered by a screen or shroud or filter as is known in the art.

As exemplified, the cyclone air inlet 140 may be defined by an aperture in the chamber wall 142. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the inlet passage 139 is configured such that air enters the cyclone 122 in a tangential flow path, e.g., passage 139 may be arcuate. The air travels in a cyclonic path in the cyclone, and dirt in the air is separated from the air. The air exits the cyclone via an outlet passage 144, through outlet 145. Outlet 145 may be defined in a rear wall 179 of the cyclone unit 114.

As exemplified in FIG. 6, a plate 174 may be provided adjacent outlet passage 144, spaced from and facing the inlet 176 to outlet passage 144. Plate 174 may be mounted to cyclone 122 via legs 178. In the example shown, plate 174, and legs 178 form an assembly 182 that is removably mounted in cyclone 122. In some examples, a screen may be mounted around legs 178.

The dirt that is separated from the air exits the cyclone via dirt outlet 146, and enters dirt collection chamber 124. The dirt collection chamber may be internal or external to the cyclone chamber. Preferably, as exemplified, the dirt collection chamber is external. The dirt collection chamber may be in communication with the cyclone chamber by any means known in the art. Accordingly, one or more dirt outlets may be provided. Preferably, the dirt outlet is an open end of the cyclone chamber, preferably at the end opposed to the air inlet and, preferably, the dirt outlet is at the front end 108.

Preferably, as in the example shown, dirt collection chamber 124 comprises two portions. A first portion 148 is provided immediately adjacent the dirt outlet 146, and is at the front end 108 of the cleaner 100. A second portion 150 is concentric with the cyclone 122. A lower portion 152 of the second portion 150 is below the cyclone. As exemplified, nozzle 112 is positioned below first portion 148, and lower portion 152. Accordingly, dirt chamber 124 may comprise an annular chamber surrounding the cyclone 122.

A separation plate 154 may be provided in the dirt collection chamber 124, adjacent the dirt outlet 146. The separation plate 154 aids in preventing dirt in dirt collection chamber 124 from re-entering cyclone 122. Preferably, plate 154 is spaced from dirt outlet 146 and preferably faces dirt outlet 146. Plate 154 may be mounted by any means to any component in cyclone unit 114. As exemplified, the separation plate is mounted on an arm 156, which preferably extends from a front wall 158 at the front end 108 of the cleaner 100.

Cyclone unit 114 may be emptied by any means known in the art. For example, one of the ends of the cyclone unit 114 may be openable and/or removable. As exemplified in FIGS. 4 and 5, front wall 158 is pivotally mounted to the cyclone unit wall 115 and serves as an openable door of the dirt chamber 124. The dirt collection chamber is preferably openable both when the dirt collection chamber is mounted to the hand vacuum cleaner, or when it is optionally removed, as will be described hereinbelow. When front wall 158 is pivoted away from the remainder of the cyclone unit 114, separation plate 154 and arm 156 also pivot away from the remainder of the cyclone unit. A latch 159 is provided, which secures front wall 158 to wall 115. In alternate examples, front wall 158 may be removable from cyclone unit wall 115, or the rear wall 179 of the cyclone unit 114 may be openable.

The rear portion of the dirt collection chamber 124 may be closed by wall 179.

The clean air exiting cyclone 122 passes through outlet 145 of outlet passage 144, exits surface cleaning head 116, and passes into the cleaner body 160. In the example shown, the cleaner body 160 is positioned rearward of the surface cleaning head 116.

The cleaner body comprises a suction motor and fan housing 168 (also referred to herein as housing 168), which houses a suction motor 164 and fan 121. Suction motor 164 and fan 121 are provided in the air flow passage. Preferably, fan 121 is upstream of motor 164. The suction motor 164 may be any type of suction motor, and the fan 121 may be any type of fan. The suction motor drives the fan (e.g., by being mounted on a shaft extending out of motor 164), which rotates to draws air into the dirty air inlet 118 of the cleaner 100, through the air flow passage and through the fan 121 (i.e., between blades of the fan), past the suction motor 164, and out of the clean air outlet 120.

The suction motor and fan housing 168 has a fan portion 190, in which the fan 121 is positioned, and a motor portion 192, in which the motor 164 is positioned. Preferably, the motor portion 192 is downstream of the fan portion 190. In the example shown, the suction motor 164 and fan 121 are arranged linearly, and extend along a common motor axis 165. More preferably, as shown, axis 165 is parallel and aligned with cyclone axis 123. Accordingly, the vacuum cleaner 100 has a generally linear airflow from the cyclone 122 to the housing 168.

As shown, the suction motor and fan housing 168 has an upstream end 167, a downstream end 169, and a longitudinally extending sidewall 194 extending between the upstream end 167 and the downstream end 169. Preferably, at least a portion of the suction motor and fan housing 168 forms at least a part of the outer casing 101 of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. More preferably, at least a portion of the sidewall 194 forms a part of the outer casing, and most preferably, a majority of the sidewall 194 forms part of the outer casing 101. Preferably, as in the example shown, the entirety of the sidewall 194 forms a central part of the outer casing 101 (i.e. spaced from both front end 108 and rear end 110).

Preferably, at least a portion of the suction motor and fan housing 168 is recessed inwardly. For example, as shown, the motor 164 has a smaller cross sectional area than the fan 121. Accordingly, the motor portion 190 is recessed inwardly (i.e. towards axis 165) from the fan portion 192, and the fan portion 192 has a larger cross sectional area than the motor portion 190. Most preferably, the longitudinally extending sidewall 194 proximates the profile of the suction motor 164 and fan 121.

In the preferred embodiment, the air flow passage of the vacuum cleaner 100 passes through the housing 168, through fan 121 as well as between fan 121 and fan portion 190 of housing 168, and between suction motor 164 and suction motor portion 192 of housing 168. In order for air to be able to flow through housing 168, an inner surface 198 of the housing 168 is spaced from an outer surface of the suction motor 164 and fan 121.

In some embodiments, inner surface 198 of the housing 168 is spaced from an outer surface of the suction motor 164 by up to 1 inch, preferably from 0.0625 to 0.75 inches and more preferably from 0.125 to 0.25 inches. Similarly, the housing 168 may be spaced from an outer surface of the fan 121 by a similar distance. For example, an inner surface 198 a of the fan portion 190 of the housing 168 may be spaced from the fan 121 by a first distance, and an inner surface 198 b of the motor portion 192 of the housing 168 may be spaced from the motor 164 by a second distance. The second distance may be about the same as the first distance.

Preferably, as in the example shown, suction motor and fan housing 168 further houses a pre-motor filter 162. Preferably, housing 168 further comprises a pre-motor filter portion 199 upstream of the fan portion 121, in which the pre-motor filter 162 is housed. Pre-motor filter 162 serves to remove remaining particulate matter from air exiting the cyclone 122, and may be any type of filter, such as a foam filter. One or more filters may be used. Preferably, as exemplified embodiments, the pre-motor filter 162 is aligned with the cyclone axis 123, and the motor axis 165.

In the exemplified embodiment, the pre-motor filter 162 has a larger cross sectional area than the fan 121, and pre-motor filter portion 199 has a larger cross sectional area than fan portion 190. Accordingly, fan portion 190 is recessed inwardly from pre-motor filter portion 199.

In alternate embodiments, a pre-motor filter may not be provided, or the pre-motor filter 162 may be provided in a separate housing.

The cleaner body 160 preferably further comprises a post-motor filter 161. The post motor filter may comprise a post motor filter housing 170, and a post motor filter material 166. The post motor filter housing is preferably adjacent the motor portion 192, and the post motor filter material 166 is provided in the air flow passage downstream of, and preferably adjacent, the suction motor 164. The post motor filter 161 has an upstream end 169, and a downstream end 171. The downstream end 171 preferably comprises the rear end 110 of the vacuum cleaner 100. Preferably as in the exemplified embodiments, the pre-motor filter 162 is aligned with the cyclone axis 123, and the motor axis 165. Accordingly, the pre-motor filter 162, cyclone unit 114, and motor 164 may be arranged linearly.

Preferably as in the exemplified embodiment, the post motor filter housing 170 has a cross sectional area that proximate the cross sectional area of the motor portion 192.

Post motor filter 161 serves to remove remaining particulate mater from air exiting the cleaner 100. Post-motor filter material 166 may be any type of filter material, such as a HEPA filter.

Clean air outlet 120 is provided downstream of post-motor filter material 166. Preferably as in the example shown, clean air outlet 120 comprises a plurality of apertures formed in housing 170. Preferably, as shown, clean air outlet 120 comprises a plurality of apertures provided in housing 170 at the downstream end 171 of the post motor filter 161. More preferably, clean air outlet is provided at a circumferential portion 105 of rear end 110, slightly forward of a planar portion 107 of rear end 110.

Preferably, rear end 110 is configured to support the hand vacuum cleaner 100 when the hand vacuum cleaner 100 is placed on a floor F, as shown in FIG. 8. For example, the vacuum cleaner 100 may stand on planar portion 107 of rear end 110, without occluding or obstructing air outlet 120. Accordingly, airflow (indicated by arrow A1) may still pass out of outlet 120. This may be advantageous, for example, when removing the dirt collection chamber 124 from the surface cleaning apparatus, as will be described further hereinbelow.

Referring to FIG. 9, the first cyclone unit 114 is preferably removably mounted to the hand vacuum cleaner 100. Preferably as in the exemplified embodiment, cyclone unit 114 is removably mounted at the front end 108 of the vacuum cleaner 100, to the upstream end 167 of the suction motor and fan housing 168. In the example shown, the cyclone unit 114 comprises the dirt collection chamber 124. Accordingly, the cyclone unit 114 may be removed in order to empty dirt collection chamber 124. For example, cyclone unit 114 may be removed from vacuum cleaner 100, may be held over a garbage bin, the front wall 158 may be opened, and the dirt may be emptied from dirt chamber 124.

In order to remove cyclone unit 114 from the surface cleaning apparatus, the cyclone unit may comprise a first mounting member 173, and the suction motor and fan housing 168 may have a second mounting member 175. The first 173 and second 175 mounting members are releasably engageable with each other. Preferably, the first 173 and second 175 are rotatably engageable with each other. For example, as shown, the first 173 and second 175 mounting members comprise a bayonet mount. In alternate examples, the first and second mounting members may be another type of mounting member, such as mating screw threads, magnets, latches or any other type of mounting members.

Referring back to FIG. 8, in examples wherein the first 173 and second 175 mounting members are rotatably engageable with each other, a user may wish to stand vacuum cleaner 100 on rear end 110 (i.e. use rear end 110 to support vacuum cleaner 100), and more particularly on planar portion 107 of rear end 110, in order to remove cyclone unit 114 from surface cleaning apparatus 100. This may allow cyclone unit 114 to be relatively easily rotated with respect to motor housing 168. As clean air outlet 120 is provided in circumferential portion 105 of rear end 110, planar portion 107 may be used to support vacuum cleaner 100, without occluding or obstructing clean air outlet 120.

Preferably as in the example shown, planar portion 107 comprises a planar surface 109, and feet 111. In the example shown, feet 111 of planar portion 107 are in contact with floor F when planar portion 107 is used to support vacuum cleaner 100. In alternate examples, feet 111 may be omitted, and planar surface 109 may be used to support vacuum cleaner 100. If feet 111 are provided, it will be appreciated that the end need not be planar. In alternate examples, another portion of rear end 110 may be used to support vacuum cleaner 100. Feet 111 and/or planar portion 107 comprise a platform on which the vacuum cleaner may be stood.

As mentioned hereinabove, cyclone unit 114 and motor 164 are preferably generally aligned. Accordingly, when vacuum cleaner 100 is supported by rear end 110, cyclone unit 114 and motor 164 may be generally vertically aligned. That is, the first cyclone unit 114 may be directly above the motor 164. Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, the cyclone unit 114 has a cross sectional area that is less than twice that of the fan portion 121 of housing 168. More preferably, the cyclone unit 114 has a cross sectional area that is less than one and a half times that of the fan portion 121 of housing 168. This may allow vacuum cleaner 100 to balance on rear end 110, without any additional support. That is, when the rear end 110 is placed on the floor F, the rear end 110 may comprise the sole support for the vacuum cleaner 100.

Referring now to FIG. 10, in the exemplified embodiment, post motor filter 161 is preferably removably mounted to the hand vacuum cleaner 100. Preferably, the upstream end 169 of the post motor filter 161 is removably mounted to the downstream end 169 of motor housing 168. Preferably, post motor-filter is rotationally mounted to the hand vacuum cleaner 100, for example by a bayonet mount as shown.

One or more additional wheels 180 may be mounted to housing 161, preferably at lower portion 106, and may be used in conjunction with wheels 135. Preferably, a single rear wheel 180 is provided. Preferably, rear wheel 180 is located on a centre line of the vacuum cleaner and rearward of the depending wall 128.

In alternate examples (not shown), hand vacuum cleaner 100 may further comprise a second cyclone unit downstream of the first cyclone unit 114. The second cyclone unit may be provided in motor housing 168, or in a separate housing. Preferably, the second cyclone unit is linearly arranged with the first cyclone unit 114, suction motor 164, and post motor filter 161. 

1. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising: (a) an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet; (b) at least one air treatment member positioned in the air flow passage; (c) a suction motor and fan positioned in the air flow passage; and, (d) a suction motor and fan housing wherein at least a portion of the suction motor and fan housing forms part of an outer casing of the apparatus and a portion of the housing is recessed inwardly.
 2. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the motor housing comprises a fan portion in which the fan is positioned and a motor portion in which the motor is positioned, the fan portion having a larger cross sectional area then the motor portion.
 3. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the motor portion is recessed inwardly from the fan portion.
 4. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the motor portion is downstream from the fan portion.
 5. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the suction motor and fan housing has an upstream end and a downstream end and a longitudinally extending sidewall between the upstream end and the downstream end, and the sidewall proximates the profile of the suction motor and fan.
 6. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 5 wherein at least a portion of the sidewall forms part of the outer casing.
 7. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 5 wherein at least a majority of the sidewall forms part of the outer casing.
 8. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the suction motor and fan comprises a fan housing and a suction motor, the fan portion has an inner surface that is spaced from the fan housing by a first distance and the motor portion has an inner surface that is spaced from the suction motor by a second distance and the second distance is about the same as the first distance.
 9. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the suction motor and fan comprises a fan housing and a suction motor, the fan portion has an inner surface that is spaced from the fan housing by a first distance and the motor portion has an inner surface that is spaced from the suction motor by a second distance and each of the first distance and the second distance is up to 1 inch.
 10. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a post motor filter positioned in a post motor filter housing and the post motor filter housing has a cross sectional area that proximates that of the motor portion.
 11. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 10 wherein the post motor filter housing is provided adjacent the motor portion.
 12. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 2 wherein an air treatment portion of the surface cleaning apparatus that houses the at least one air treatment member has an outer surface and the air treatment portion has a cross sectional area that is less than twice that of the fan portion.
 13. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one air treatment member comprises a cyclone unit.
 14. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 13 wherein the cyclone unit has an outer surface that forms a portion of the outer surface of the surface cleaning apparatus.
 15. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the surface cleaning apparatus comprises a hand vacuum cleaner.
 16. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus has a generally linear air flow from the at least one air treatment member to the suction motor and fan housing. 